25 May 2010

The Royal Mint has teamed up with England football legend Sir Geoff Hurst to offer England team supporters a chance to get their hands on a free limited edition World Cup Medal and generate some much needed luck for the England team.

The medal gives England fans another reason to shout loud and proud and captures the passion and excitement that surrounds the World Cup frenzy. The Royal Mint is giving away 150,000 of the World Cup Medals via their website www.itsenglandstime.com.

Sir Geoff Hurst holding the World Cup Medal

Launching the campaign, Sir Geoff said: "I know football, both as a player and a spectator so I'm familiar with all the rituals and superstitions that happen when we want a team to win. Luck plays a huge part in these competitions and as a team member it's important to know that the people are rooting for you, so the Royal Mint's giveaway is a great way for people to show their support"

The Royal Mint's World Cup Medal design captures the enthusiasm, hopes and passion that fans across England will be feeling during the 2010 World Cup. On one face of the limited edition medal is a novel hologram design. The other incorporates an image of the three lions and the cheer 'Come on England'. The dates of this year's World Cup are also included, making the medal a lasting souvenir to help every supporter remember the 2010 South Africa tournament.

The Royal Mint has a history dating back over 1,000 years. By the late thirteenth century the organisation was based in the Tower of London, and remained there for over 500 years. By 1812, the Royal Mint had moved out of the Tower to premises on London’s Tower Hill. In 1967 the building of a new Royal Mint began on its current site in Llantrisant, South Wales.

There were estimated to be 28.2 billion United Kingdom coins in circulation at 31 March 2009, with a total face value of £3.6 billion - all manufactured by the Royal Mint.

1.3 billion United Kingdom coins were issued during 2008-09.

Of the higher denomination coins, it is the 20p piece that is most in demand - with more than 2.4 billion now in circulation.